Sprawled across 2,500 sq ft, the outlet is segregated in two stories, where the ground level hosts the ready-to-wear garments and first level houses exclusive bridal wear.Photographs by Shovan Gandhi courtesy Raw Mango

The first floor of the boutique, just like the entire space, is awashed with natural light

Having established a niche in the capital, contemporary fashion brand Raw Mango famed for Indian handwoven textiles crafted using traditional techniques opens a flagship in Colaba, Mumbai. Sprawled across 2,500 sq ft and segregated in two stories, the store is conceived by Sanjay Garg, founder of the brand in collaboration with renowned interior architect Ashiesh Shah and styled by designer Isla Maria "Loulou" van Damme.

Stripped bare of superfluousness, the design of the space seamlessly integrates with the natural architecture of the iconic building that it is located in. “We tried to bring out the country’s approach to Minimalism by showcasing rural and urban India. To respect the vicinity and the original edifice’s heritage, we preserved the beautiful elements and simply made them aware by slightly accenting them,” reveals Ashiesh.

Synonymous to its name, the outlet exudes raw charm because “the space is devoid of wallpapers, patterns and colours, everything is natural,” adds Sanjay. The beautiful outfits by the designers add the riot of shades, frills and embellishments to the store. The store encapsulates a wide breadth of fashion ranges divided on the two levels – ground level hosts the ready-to-wear garments and first level houses exclusive bridal wear.

Every piece of furniture, from the almirahs to gorgeous brass counter, seaters to hangers, are customised, while collectibles of wooden sculptures from Sanjay’s travels adorns the wooden doors and other areas. We were mesmerised with how small elements like the decorative lights on the ground level by Nilkhil Paul of Paul Matter and innovative album of photographs as an artwork on the first floor by Dayanita Singh have a huge impact.

Sun-lit spaces house glass-framed almirahs, lined with soft cotton mul, rendering the space a blank canvas for the textiles held within. On display is a wide selection of handloom saris, lehengas, jackets and dresses and includes pieces from their Monkey Business collection. This is also the only Raw Mango location to also sell men's bandis and handloom handkerchiefs.

We love how the store boasts a courtyard-like alfresco space enhanced with terracotta horse sourced from a village in Gujarat and casual seating areas for patrons to lounge in.